AQUARIUM×ART átoa in Kobe's Chuo-ku is hosting a collaboration exhibition, "～átoa × zamami vill × pokke104～ Whale Island Vol. 2," in partnership with Zamami Village, Okinawa and illustrator pokke104. The exhibition runs from Thursday, June 4 to Monday, August 31, 2026.
The first installment, held from January to March 2026, was well received by visitors and offered an opportunity to learn about the rich nature of Zamami Village and the appeal of humpback whales. For the second edition, new tapestry displays have been added to enrich the exhibition, allowing visitors to feel even more connected to the sea and nature of the island.
In the ocean-themed "MARINE NOTE" zone, the exhibition showcases photographs and footage of diverse marine life — centered around humpback whales that visit during winter — alongside art works by pokke104, who serves as Zamami Village's tourism ambassador. The exhibition introduces the sea, nature, and culture of Zamami Village.
Exhibition "～átoa × zamami vill × pokke104～ Whale Island Vol. 2"
The exhibition features a life-sized humpback whale photograph approximately 12 meters long, photo panels of Zamami Village's sea and wildlife, and underwater footage projected on the walls. A Zamami Village PR booth set up in the venue introduces transportation access, notable spots, and wildlife that can be encountered on the islands.
For this second edition, tapestries featuring photographs of Zamami Village's sea and nature as well as illustrations by pokke104 have been newly added.
From the previous exhibition
Artist pokke104's vivid and distinctive art works — including a piece created at the previous live painting event — are on display as photo spots. The glass walls of the bridge connecting CAVE and MARINE NOTE are also adorned with pokke104's designs, forming part of the exhibition experience.
Artwork by pokke104
Bridge artwork
Exhibition Overview
- Exhibition Name: "～átoa × zamami vill × pokke104～ Whale Island Vol. 2"
- Period: Thursday, June 4, 2026 – Monday, August 31, 2026
- Venue: 2F MARINE NOTE, 2F Bridge
- Admission: Free (separate átoa admission fee required)
- Exhibits: 1 life-sized humpback whale photo, 24 photo panels, 1 wall projection video, Zamami Village PR booth, 29 tapestries, 14 art works, 1 live paint art photo booth, 2 window wrapping art pieces
- Organized by: Zamami Village
- Co-organized by: AQUARIUM × ART átoa
- Artist: pokke104
- Official website: https://atoa-kobe.jp/kikaku/zamami/
About Zamami Village, Okinawa
Zamami Village is located in Okinawa Prefecture and consists of the beautiful islands of the Kerama Islands chain, surrounded by sea renowned for its world-class clarity and a rich natural environment home to diverse wildlife.
In 2014, the surrounding waters were designated as "Kerama Islands National Park." The crystal-clear sea is known as "Kerama Blue" and draws divers from around the world. Zamami Village's whale watching features dedicated staff who survey wide areas from mountain vantage points, providing a very high probability of spotting humpback whales.
Whales can be seen from late December through late March, when they return to the waters around Zamami for breeding. The village maintains its own whale watching guidelines to ensure whale-friendly practices, creating an environment where whales feel safe to return each year.
Message from the Mayor of Zamami Village
"This exhibition introduces not only the charm of Zamami in winter — symbolized by encounters with whales — but also the natural environment that the island has carefully protected over the years. In átoa's unique creative space, visitors can experience the natural beauty of Zamami Village and the mystique of whales on a deeper level. Through the art of pokke104, the village's tourism ambassador, I hope visitors can feel the value of Zamami Village's rich natural environment and the tranquility that comes from time spent on the island, and discover the profound appeal of Zamami Village in winter."
— Mayor: Tetsu Miyasato
About pokke104
Artist / Illustrator
pokke104 (Yukino Ikeshiro), born in Okinawa, has been active since 2003. The artist handles a wide range of artwork including illustrations, murals, collaborations with companies and artists, and workshop projects centered on the theme of "connection" with local communities. The name "pokke104" comes from the concept: "Put what you see and feel in your heart's pocket — and let that pocket be the source of expression." Drawing strong inspiration from coral colors and tree lines, pokke104 creates art by absorbing the colors and forms of the sea and forests, as well as the cultures of different places.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pokke104/
pokke104 / Yukino Ikeshiro
Message from pokke104
"Starting in 2000, when I encountered fish while diving, I began visiting Zamami Village year after year, continuing to draw the island's scenery and nature. In this exhibition, the live painting work created at the previous event will also be on display as a photo spot, so visitors can enjoy it while feeling the atmosphere of the sea and nature of Zamami Village. I hope everyone will enjoy the 'time connecting the sea and the island' — something that could only be born from átoa and Zamami Village."
Original goods by pokke104 also available!
Goods designed by illustrator pokke104, featuring island wildlife, are sold at the 1F museum shop.
Venue Information
- Address: 7-2 Shinko-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0041
- Access: Approximately 18-minute walk south from Sannomiya Station (approx. 1.4 km)
- Website: https://atoa-kobe.jp
